SVELT teenager Jack Harris has been congratulated by an Olympian after he lost more than six stones and made it through to the finals of a slimming competition.

Jack, who is 18 and from Colchester, was in the top 30 of Slimming World’s Young Slimmer of the Year 2016 competition after he beat the bulge with his new healthier and more active lifestyle.

Jack's achievements were celebrated by Olympic medalist Iwan Thomas who praised Jack for improving his health and nutrition.

Sales assistant Jack weighed 17st 9lbs when he joined the Colchester branch of the group last April.

But after eating more healthily and doing more exercise, he has lost an impressive 6st 3lbs in less than a year.

Jack said: "When I was bigger I always felt as though I didn’t fit in and that was really hard.

"It seemed like all of my friends were slim, happy and loving life, while I just spent all my time worrying about my weight.

“At first I was nervous at the idea of joining Slimming World because I thought that my friends or family might tease me or that the people at the group would judge me for being overweight at such a young age.

"I shouldn’t have worried though because everyone was really lovely and my friends and family are proud of my weight loss.

"It made me think about how active I am too, so I’ve taken up cycling as well and I really enjoy it."

Jack said he did not struggle cutting back on his favourite but fattening foods.

“I loved all of the food that’s on the plan.

"I can still have burgers, chips, curries and chocolate – I just have to make some healthy swaps, like switching white bread for wholemeal.

"Understanding my relationship with food has been a real eye opener and I’ve learned how to cook a bit.

“I feel as though I’ll be able to keep up this healthy way of life forever – which is something I never thought I would say.

"I’ve got so much more confidence now too and don’t feel like the odd one out anymore, which feels great.”

Jack now weighs a healthy 11st 6lbs and was selected by the Colchester group to represent them in the Young Slimmer of the Year contest which is open to 16 to 21-year-old members of Slimming World.

He was one of 30 youngsters invited to the semi-finals which were held at Slimming World’s head office in Alfreton in Derbyshire where he met the 400m Olympic and world cup star.

Jennifer Bebb, who runs the Colchester Slimming World group, said: "I’m so proud of Jack.

"What he’s achieved is so much more than just losing weight. The changes Jack has made now have given him the knowledge and skills to make healthy choices and develop new active habits that will stand him in good stead for the rest of his life.

"Most of all it’s given him the self-belief to achieve his dreams."

Anyone wanting to join Jennifer's club at Queen Boudica Primary School in Colchester can call her on 07920 061408.